Congressional Art Contest a Way for Young People to Send Politicians a Message

This was Maxine Waters’ submitted student entry for 2016, so the competiton didn’t always nix political preferences, at least if the theme favored “progressive” ideology. [Congressional Art Competition]“The 2018 Congressional Art Competition has officially begun!” an email from my congressman announces. “This is always such a great opportunity to showcase the artistic talent in the district.

“The competition is open to all high school students in the district,” he explains. “Each student is allowed to enter up to four pieces of artwork … The 1st place winner piece will hang in the United States Capitol and the other winners are hung in my Congressional Offices.”

Here’s the website where you can learn more and find out how your young student can participate, assuming they’re not part of the Everytown and Planned Parenthood-sponsored #Marx for Our Lives mobs this weekend.

“Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission (the Commission). In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.”

OK, so a picture of an AR-15 with the words “MOLON LABE!” is probably out. And even with Supreme Court decisions in Heller and McDonald, chances are anything specifially Second Amendment-related would get the boot. Even though you and I might not find it “controversial,” the court was divided five to four in each case. Hell, let’s just stipulate all the lies and manipulation have succeeded in creating an unbridgeable gulf between those demanding citizen disarmament and those who believe the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

OK, so how close to the edge can a kid get? What about a poster celebrating citizen resistance to tyranny at Lexington and Concord? How is that controversial to any but America’s enemies?

Or get away from guns and militias altogether. It would be instructive to see contest teachers, judges or polticians nix a celebration of the Constitution and/or Bill of Rights. Freedom of religion ought to also be safe,at least for some — my bet is no one would challenge a picture of a woman in a hijab and the caption “Our diversity is our strength.” It would also be fun to take a poke at the “safe spacers” with a “freedom of speech” entry. Or how about artwork commending keeping the oath of office?

True, in the scheme of things this is small potatoes, but not every advocacy effort need be big and important, and who knows? Seeing something that reflects traditional American freedoms rejected because it offends some repressive social justice warrior’s sensitivities might generate attention. It could also help others see how the vision that was once America has been perverted by those naively entrusted to be its leaders.

With the only voices from young people given media exposure being those demanding that government abridge liberty, you and your children might be in a position to help show that some still believe in the vision of the Founders.

If they like the idea – and that’s important, as we should leave the ideological pressuring of children to the Bloombergians and the Bodysnatchers, here’s how they can enter:

David Codrea blogs at The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance (WarOnGuns.com), and is a field editor/columnist for GUNS Magazine. Named “Journalist of the Year” in 2011 by the Second Amendment Foundation for his groundbreaking work on the “Fast and Furious” ATF “gunwalking” scandal, he is a frequent event speaker and guest on national radio and television programs.